Swapped houses with a stranger to see if I liked living in Seattle. One month in, I got my answer.

After 18 years in San Francisco, the author considered relocating but worried about regret. Seattle became the frontrunner for its similar West Coast energy, career opportunities, and access to natural scenery. Instead of moving immediately, the writer tested the city for one month through HomeExchange, swapping a condo in Noe Valley for a house with a yard in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood in July. Working remotely, shopping for groceries, visiting the Ballard Farmers Market, and exploring parks and breweries helped them judge daily life. Ballard’s walkable, residential feel—single-family homes near shops and restaurants—fit well, but the month also revealed trade-offs: Seattle felt more spread out, with longer commutes, more driving, and traffic. The author also learned dog restrictions around water access and off-leash areas, noting many sandy beaches don’t allow dogs.